Coolant Control Unit With Dual-Mode Cooling for Electronics Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooled electronics systems face challenges in efficiently removing heat from high-density electronic devices, particularly in environments without access to chilled facility water, and are prone to failure due to external coolant unavailability or poor quality.
Innovation Solution
A modular coolant control unit that can operate in either external coolant mode or internal coolant mode, utilizing an internal coolant loop with a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and control logic to manage coolant flow and switching between modes based on coolant availability, ensuring continuous cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external coolant is used for cooling electronic devices, then cooling efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to external coolant unavailability or poor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the source of coolant from external to internal based on operational conditions. The control unit switches between external coolant mode and internal coolant mode, altering the physical state and source of the cooling medium to balance efficiency and reliability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between external and internal coolant systems. It includes sensors, valves, and a pump that mediate the switching process, ensuring seamless operation regardless of coolant source availability or quality
2Device complexity
If a single coolant source is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to operate without chilled facility water
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both external coolant intake and internal coolant generation capabilities within a single system. The control unit can operate in external coolant mode when facility water is available and switch to internal coolant mode when it is not, making the system universally adaptable to different environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously monitors external coolant availability and quality, and dynamically switches between external and internal coolant sources, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions without manual intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively manages heat transfer by switching between external and internal coolant modes, ensuring reliable operation and efficient cooling even in environments without chilled facility water, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-to-air heat exchanger connected between the first control valve and the second control valve
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant control unit for a liquid cooled electronics system is provided, which includes an external coolant inlet and outlet for receiving and returning external coolant; an internal coolant loop for circulating coolant to the electronics system; a first and second control valve coupling the external coolant inlet and outlet to the internal coolant loop; a heat exchanger connected between the first and second control valves; and control logic for controlling operation of the coolant control unit in one of an external coolant mode and an internal coolant mode. In the external coolant mode, the first and second control valves allow passage of external coolant through the internal coolant loop to the electronics system, and in the internal coolant mode, the first and second control valves isolate coolant within the internal coolant loop from the external coolant inlet and outlet, and pass the coolant therein through the heat exchanger.